Clinical Research Directory

BMI Versus Body Fat Percentage - Which is the Better Predictor of Fertility Outcomes in IVF Cycles?

The goal of this prospective observational cohort study is to evaluate whether body composition measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (including measures of body fat% and visceral fat) serve as a better predictor than body mass index (BMI) of outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Participants undergoing IVF will have body composition assessed using a BIA scale prior to treatment, including measurement of body fat percentage. Associations between BMI, BIA-derived body composition measures, and IVF treatment outcomes will be evaluated. Outcomes of interest include ovarian stimulation requirements, number of mature oocytes (eggs) retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized, and number and quality of embryos available for cryopreservation (freezing). Furthermore, ongoing pregnancy and miscarriage rates will be evaluated. The main question is to determine which of either BIA metrics or BMI are a better predictor of ongoing pregnancy or miscarriage rates. Furthermore, we would like to assess if there is an association between BIA metrics or BMI and the response to ovarian stimulation (egg recruitment), number and maturity rate of oocytes retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized and the number and quality of embryos available for cryopreservation. Participants will be asked to step on a BIA scale at the start of their cycle before taking medications to stimulate/recruit oocytes. This scale provides additional information on body fat % and visceral fat % in addition to body weight. The study aims to determine whether measures of adiposity obtained using BIA may provide a more informative assessment of the relationship between body composition and IVF outcomes than BMI alone.

Is BMI Outdated in TKA Patient Selection? Assessment of the Impact of Pre-tubercular Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness and the Risk of Postoperative Infection Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

While Body Mass Index (BMI) is currently used as a primary tool for risk stratification in patients undergoing Total Knee Athroplasty(TKA), its limitations raise concerns regarding its accuracy and fairness in guiding surgical decision-making. In particular, reliance on BMI alone may lead to the exclusion of patients who could safely benefit from surgery, while failing to identify others at increased risk due to unfavourable local anatomical factors. Pre-tubercular subcutaneous fat thickness (PTFT) offers a simple, reproducible, and anatomically relevant measurement that directly reflects the soft tissue envelope at the operative site. As such may provide a more clinically meaningful assessment of infection risk than BMI. This study aims to evaluate the association between PTFT and postoperative infection following TKA. By doing so, it seeks to determine whether PTFT could serve as an adjunct or alternative risk stratification tool in clinical practice. The findings of this study have the potential to inform a more individualized approach to patient selection and preoperative counselling, improving shared decision-making and resource utilisation.

Empowering Faith-based Communities to Provide Personalized Diabetes Self-management Education and Support (DSMES) in the Magic City

In this study, individuals living with diabetes in the Birmingham area will participate in a free, 3-month DSMES program hosted by MedsPLUS Consulting, a local independent pharmacy and wellness center, at a local faith-based organization. DSMES sessions meet twice a month and typically address topics including physical activity, nutrition, coping, and reducing risk and complications. Prior to beginning the program, participants will complete a questionnaire that assesses diabetes self-management behaviors (such as diet, physical activity, and medication adherence) and diabetes knowledge. Additionally, they will participate in a biometric screening where clinical data such as blood A1C, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and BMI are collected. This data will also be collected again after the completion of the program. In this program, participants will be assigned a community health worker who will contact them outside of scheduled DSMES sessions to provide support. Participants will also be randomly assigned to one of two cohorts, the Traditional cohort and the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) cohort. The traditional cohort will use paper trackers to track blood pressure and blood sugar outside of DSMES sessions while the RPM cohort will utilize an RPM platform to track this data.

A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of MB-1 on Metabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of MB-1 on metabolic health in overweight and obese adults. The main question it aims to answer is: What is the difference in change in body weight from baseline at Day 84 between MB-1 and placebo? Participants will be provided MB-1 or placebo and be assessed for anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, heart rate, and asked to complete appetite and satiety questionnaires and undergo a DEXA scan.

Effects of Body Composition on Vascular Health in Females With a Healthy Body Weight

Most of the time, body weight is evaluated by looking at the ratio of your weight to your height. This measurement is called body mass index or BMI. However, BMI does not account for what your body is actually made up of (e.g., body fat versus muscle), which may be more important for determining cardiovascular disease risk. The investigators aim to understand vascular health in females with a "healthy" BMI with differing amounts of body fat and muscle mass. We will have participants come to the lab for two different study visits. At one visit, participants will eat a meal high in fat, and at the other visit, participants will undergo a stress task.

Evaluating Care Integration Between Pediatric Primary Care Providers and WIC Nutritionists

This study looks at whether using secure digital systems to share information between pediatric health care providers (during regular well-child visits) and social care providers (during regular visits with WIC nutritionists) can help mothers receive consistent guidance on responsive parenting to support healthy child growth and development. Responsive parenting means learning how to respond to a baby's needs in ways that support healthy eating, sleep, activity, and emotion regulation habits. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Does using secure digital systems to share information between pediatric health care providers and social care providers help mothers receive consistent guidance on responsive parenting to support healthy growth from birth to 24 months? 2. Does using secure digital systems to share information between pediatric health care providers and social care providers help mothers receive consistent guidance on responsive parenting, improve responsive parenting practices and child diet quality? The investigators will compare the group that receives secure digital systems for sharing information on responsive parenting to a group that receives standard care (does not receive this) to see if secure digital systems for sharing information on responsive parenting work to support healthy child growth and development. The goal is to see if this approach can improve early health behaviors and reduce health disparities for families in rural, low-income communities.

Prognostic Impacts of Lipid Profile and BMI in Adult AML

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the changes in lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C) in adult AML patients before and after intensive induction chemotherapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Are there correlations between metabolic changes (in lipid profile and BMI) and treatment outcomes, including remission status and incidence of chemotherapy-related complications? * Can the baseline lipid profile and BMI serve as prognostic markers for response to induction chemotherapy.? Participants will be observed before and after induction chemotherapy regarding their lipid profile, and BMI, observing any correlations between the different results with any complications, and with remission status.

The Efficacy of Pedometer-motivated Physical Activity for the Management of Patients With MASLD.

The study conducted a health survey among Thai adults in 2022 and found a significant increase in obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), leading to metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The prevalence of NAFLD was 19.7%, with higher rates in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. MASLD is associated with insulin resistance and genetic polymorphisms, particularly the patatin like phospholipase domain containing 3-rs738409 variant. Additionally, physical activity was inversely related to liver disease risk, with higher step counts associated with reduced incidence of NAFLD and liver-related mortality. The study aims to investigate the impact of dietary advice and pedometer use on physical activity levels and health outcomes in MASLD patients over 24 weeks.

Hepatic Elastography-Enhanced Lifestyle Modification in MASLD

The 2022 National Health Survey in Thailand revealed a substantial rise in obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The prevalence of MASLD was 19.7%, with higher rates observed in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Effective management of MASLD primarily involves lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. Evidence suggests that patients unaware of their liver fibrosis status are less likely to adhere to these interventions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of hepatic elastography monitoring on lifestyle modification adherence and health outcomes in patients with MASLD over 48 weeks.

Safety and Effectiveness of High Frequency Electrocautery for Abdominal Fat Reduction

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the intervention of radiofrequency technology can help treat abdominal fat hypertrophy and skin laxity in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are * Does radiofrequency technology lower the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue height by ultrasound measurement? * Does radiofrequency technology improve abdominal circumference data and lower the number of times participants need to use a rescue inhaler. Researchers will compare the treatment side to the non-treatment side to see if radiofrequency technology works to treat abdominal fat hypertrophy and skin laxity? Participants will: * Accept the treatment of radiofrequency technology every week for 10 weeks. * Visit the clinic 1 month and 3 months after the treatment ends for checkups and tests.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Project in Gran Canaria

Given the alarming rates of obesity and overweight in our child population, the investigators have developed an intervention strategy, based on a multidisciplinary, school-centered approach, which addresses nutritional education, physical activity, behavioral intervention techniques and tools that facilitate the learning of healthy lifestyle habits in children between 6 and 10 years of age.

Effect of a Customised Lifestyle Medicine Strategy on Lowering Blood Lipid Levels in Indian Physicians

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses evidence-based therapeutic interventions to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic conditions. Studies have shown that a 50 mg/dl reduction in LDL reduces the risk of developing stroke by 20%, and a 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic BP reduces the risk of developing MACE by 22% and stroke by 41%. The CLIP (Cholesterol Lowering Lifestyle Intervention Project) is an innovative initiative proposed to evaluate the combined effect of an Indian version of Portfolio diet-based nutrition strategy, intermittent fasting, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction techniques on lowering blood lipid levels in health professionals and their family. The study aims to evaluate the effect of CLIP on changes in blood pressure, weight, HbA1C levels, blood CRP levels, and other blood parameters.